The U.S. Senate has passed a controversial $9 billion spending cut package that targets public broadcasting institutions and foreign aid programs, marking a significant legislative win for President Donald Trump’s administration. The measure passed narrowly in the early hours of Thursday by a 51–48 vote along largely partisan lines in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Public Broadcasting at Risk
Under the proposed legislation, major public broadcasting entities such as National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stand to lose all federal funding. The decision aligns with longstanding criticism from conservative lawmakers who argue that these organizations exhibit liberal bias and should not rely on taxpayer support.
Foreign Aid Programs Slashed
The bill also enacts deep cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), including the elimination of funding for international health programs, disaster relief, refugee assistance, and global development grants. These measures would significantly reduce America’s role in international humanitarian efforts.
A recent study published in The Lancet warned that such cuts to USAID operations could lead to over 14 million additional deaths globally by 2030, raising alarms among health and development experts.
A Broader Push for Fiscal Reduction
This legislative package is part of a broader push to reduce federal spending, spearheaded by the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, led by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. Musk, a major donor to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, had been tasked with identifying cost-saving measures across government programs. Despite recent tensions between Musk and Trump over tariff and tax policy disagreements, the cost-cutting agenda continues to gain traction.
Political Reactions
Democratic leaders strongly criticized the cuts. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the bill in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “Trump-MAGA-Senate Republican assault on public broadcasting that Americans rely on and foreign aid that helps keep our country safe.”
Meanwhile, Senate Republican Whip John Thune defended the measure, stating, “We must examine every part of the federal budget to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, and put the U.S. on a more sustainable fiscal path.”
Final Vote Pending in the House
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for a final vote, which is expected by Friday. If passed, it will be sent to President Trump for signing into law. The outcome will shape the future of U.S. engagement abroad and the survival of domestic public media.
